Nasal dilator

Abstract

A device for dilating nasal passageway which includes a resilient bar having pads on opposite ends for insertion into respective nasal passageways and the bar when bent causes a biasing outward force on the pads to dilate the anterior section of the nasal cavity with said bar having notches thereon which can be selectively cut to reduce the bearing force on the pads.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A device for dilating nasal passageways comprising: 
       an elongated bar portion made of a resilient material, having opposite ends;  
       respective pads positioned on said opposite ends for positioning in respective nasal passageways;  
       said bar portion when in a bent position providing an outwardly bearing force on said pads which causes said pads to engage and dilate the nasal passageways when disposed therein; and  
       said bar portion further comprising at least one indicating means thereon which when cut or fractured reduces the bearing force provided by the bar on the pads so as to allow for an adjustment thereof.  
     
     
       2. The device in accordance with claim  1  wherein said pads are curved and somewhat triangular in shape. 
     
     
       3. The device in accordance with claim  2  wherein said pads are disposed at an angle of approximately 115° to a longitudinal axis of the bar. 
     
     
       4. The device in accordance with claim  3  which further includes respective ridge members on said pads. 
     
     
       5. The device in accordance with claim  2  wherein said pads include enlarged portions for increased stability when placed in nasal passageways. 
     
     
       6. The device in accordance with claim  1  which includes a center member traversing the bar on which said indicating means is located. 
     
     
       7. The device in accordance with claim  6  wherein said indicating means comprises a plurality of notches. 
     
     
       8. The device in accordance with claim  7  wherein said device is integrally constructed from a resilient plastic or silicone material. 
     
     
       9. The device in accordance with claim  8  wherein the resilient plastic or silicone material is approximately 50-70 durometers. 
     
     
       10. The device in accordance with claim  1  wherein said indicating means comprises a plurality of notches. 
     
     
       11. The device in accordance with claim  1  wherein said device is integrally constructed from a resilient plastic or silicone material. 
     
     
       12. The device in accordance with claim  11  wherein the resilient plastic or silicone material is approximately 50-70 durometers.